Falls among older adults are more than just a personal health risk—they are a growing public safety issue that places a significant strain on local fire departments. Across the United States, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) are increasingly responding to fall-related 911 calls, often for non-emergency “lift assists” rather than critical medical situations. While these calls may not always seem urgent, they consume valuable resources, impact emergency readiness, and add financial pressure to already stretched fire department budgets.

Nationally, 17% of all 911 calls for adults aged 65 and older are related to falls (NCOA). In many fire departments, lift-assist calls now outnumber structure fire calls in both urban and rural communities (NFPA).

The volume of these calls has surged in recent years. From 2019 to 2022, lift-assist 911 responses at senior living facilities increased by 30% nationwide, reaching roughly 42,000 calls per year. This rise far exceeds the overall growth in 911 call volume during the same period (Senior Housing News).

A 10-year study in one suburban community found that fall-related EMS calls jumped 268%, even as fewer of these incidents resulted in hospital transport (PMC). This trend highlights an increasing demand on fire departments, stretching their resources further each year.

“Preventable falls are a big challenge for local fire departments, but also for the overall community,” says Stan Szpytek, Deputy Fire Chief (ret.) and Senior Living Fire & Life Safety Consultant.

Straining Emergency Response

The high volume of fall-related calls limits fire departments’ ability to respond to more critical emergencies. When an engine crew or ambulance is dispatched for a lift-assist, responders may be tied up for 15 to 30 minutes—or longer if travel time is extensive or the situation is complex.

During this time, these units are unavailable for life-threatening emergencies, such as fires, heart attacks, strokes, or vehicle accidents (PubMed, Firehouse).

“When those resources are tied up, local fire departments cannot respond to other emergencies,” adds Szpytek.

The Financial Cost of Lift-Assists

Falls don’t just stretch resources—they create a significant financial burden for fire departments. Responding to each lift-assist call costs approximately thousands of dollars in personnel time, fuel, and equipment use (Firehouse & McKnights Senior living).

When multiplied across hundreds or thousands of calls per year, these costs quickly add up, placing an unfunded burden on fire departments.

A 10-year study in one community found that non-transport fall calls cost the city approximately $1.5 million in operational expenses (PMC). With medical calls now making up the majority of emergency runs—and falls becoming an increasing share—department budgets are not keeping pace with rising demand (USFA).

A Call for Prevention

As the senior population grows, fall-related 911 calls will likely continue to rise, placing even greater pressure on local fire departments. Addressing this issue requires a shift toward prevention and policy changes that balance emergency response with sustainable resource allocation.

“If we focus on resident safety, eliminate trip hazards, and implement technology, many falls can be prevented, reducing EMS calls,” explains Szpytek.

By prioritizing fall prevention and smarter resource management, communities can help ensure that fire departments remain available for true emergencies while also improving safety for older adults.

However, by shifting toward proactive fall prevention strategies and fostering community partnerships, fire departments can play a key role in reducing repeat fall calls—ultimately protecting both senior residents and emergency responders.

“We don’t want to be reactive; we want to be proactive,” concludes Szpytek.